How to clean and maintain your Air Conditioner

An air conditioner’s filters, coils, and fins require regular maintenance for the unit to function effectively and efficiently throughout its years of services. Neglecting necessary maintenance culminates to a steady decline in air conditioning performance while energy use steadily increases.

 

Air conditioner filters

 

It’s crucial to routinely replace or clean the air conditioner filters. Clogged, dirty filters block normal airflow and reduce a system’s efficiency significantly. When normal airflow is obstructed, air that bypasses the filter may carry dirt directly into the evaporator coil and impair the coil’s heat-absorbing capacity. Replacing a dirty, clogged filter with a clean one can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5% to 15%.

 

Air conditioner coils

 

The evaporator’s coil and condenser coil collect dirt over time. A clean filter prevents the evaporator coil from soiling quickly. The dirt reduces airflow and insulates the coil, reducing its ability to absorb heat. To avoid this problem, check your evaporator coil every year and clean it as necessary.

 

Outdoor condenser coils can also become very dirty if the outdoor environment is dusty or if there is foliage nearby. You can easily see the condenser coil and notice if dirt is collecting on its fins. It’s important to minimize dirt and debris near the condenser unit. Your dryer vents, falling leaves, and lawn mower are all potential sources of dirt and debris. Ensure you clean the area around the coil, removing any debris, and trimming foliage back.

 

Coil fins

 

The aluminium fins on evaporator and condenser coils are easily bent and can block airflow through the coil. Get a ‘fin comb’ that will comb these fins back into nearly original condition.

 

Condensate drains

 

Regularly pass a stiff wire through the unit’s drain channels. Clogged drain channels prevent a unit from reducing humidity and resulting excess moisture may discolour walls or carpet.